Women-led Growth: Manipur Artisan, Farmer Turn Tradition into Income
New Delhi, Dec 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 129th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, highlighted how India’s traditional practices and indigenous skills are emerging as powerful drivers of economic growth and self-reliance.
Citing inspiring examples of women-led and grassroots enterprises from Manipur, the Prime Minister underlined how floriculture, handicrafts and traditional livelihoods are being transformed into sustainable income models under the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push.
During the broadcast, the Prime Minister referred to the entrepreneurial journey of Chokhone Krichena from Senapati district and Margaret Ramtharsiem from Churachandpur district of Manipur.
Chokhone Krichena
Coming from a family engaged in traditional farming for generations, Krichena gradually turned flower cultivation into a focused enterprise by developing market linkages and encouraging people in her locality to pursue economic independence.
Responding to her mention in Mann Ki Baat, Krichena said that government initiatives are creating tangible change at the grassroots level and enabling small entrepreneurs to scale their work.
She explained that the region’s challenging terrain and the perishable nature of flowers once made timely market access difficult.
By innovating with dry flower products, she was able to minimise losses, add value to her produce and generate new employment opportunities, especially for rural women.
She further said that access to national and international markets has become easier due to supportive government policies, digital platforms and a growing startup ecosystem.
According to Chokhone Krichena, these measures have simplified business expansion and encouraged village youth and women to take up entrepreneurship.
Describing Mann Ki Baat as a highly impactful platform, she said it inspires confidence and provides ideas to young people looking to start ventures of their own.
Margaret Ramtharsiem
In the same episode, Prime Minister Modi also praised the work of Margaret Ramtharsiem from Churachandpur district, Manipur, for popularising traditional handicrafts and creating livelihoods for local artisans.
He noted that her broad vision helped her evolve from a handicraft artist into an agent of social and economic change. Her enterprise employs over 50 artisans at present, while her bamboo, wood and indigenous handicraft products have found markets in several states, including Delhi.
Sharing her reaction, Ramtharsiem said that being acknowledged by the Prime Minister has significantly boosted her confidence and reinforced her belief in the global potential of traditional crafts.
She said growing demand from buyers within India and abroad demonstrates how heritage-based products can create sustainable economic opportunities.
According to her, the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision has encouraged her to expand operations, involve more local artisans and strengthen community-level self-reliance.
Margaret Ramtharsiem also pointed out that government-backed platforms have played a crucial role in bringing visibility to artisans who were previously confined to local markets.
She added that the Prime Minister’s emphasis on preserving culture while promoting enterprise has given a renewed direction to India’s handicraft sector.
Both entrepreneurs expressed gratitude for the Centre’s special focus on the Northeast. (With inputs from PIB and IANS)